WAFCON 2026: Ivory Coast to challenge for Nigeria’s crown after hitting 15 goals past TACI

Ivory Coast women's national football team produced one of the most emphatic performances in recent women’s international football with a 15-1 victory over Turks and Caicos Islands in Abidjan, Soccernet.ng reports.

Played at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Sunday, the match quickly turned into a one-sided contest. Ivory Coast were ahead within minutes and never eased off, scoring at will against a defence that struggled to cope with their movement, pace and finishing.

Ami Diallo set the tone early, scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes. Priscille Kreto soon joined in, and by the 25th minute, the home side had already built a commanding lead. Their attacking play was direct, sharp and relentless, with midfield runners constantly arriving in dangerous areas.

The visitors did manage a brief response when Irener Moline pulled one back in the 28th minute, making it 5-1 at the time. But that proved only a short interruption. Ivory Coast responded immediately, scoring three more goals before the break to take a remarkable 9-1 lead into half-time.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Ines Akissi Konan completed her hat-trick, while goals continued to flow from across the team. By the time Akébié Abrogoa added the 15th goal deep into stoppage time, the result had already entered the record books as Ivory Coast’s biggest-ever international win.

It was a performance that suggested a team growing in confidence and belief under head coach Reynald Pedros.

Ivory Coast: Echoes of Nigeria’s historic win

The scale of Ivory Coast’s victory immediately drew comparisons with Nigeria's Super Falcons and their own record-breaking win.

Back in 2019, Nigeria produced a 15-0 demolition of Niger at the WAFU Women’s Cup, also in Abidjan. On that occasion, Uchenna Kanu scored five goals in a first-half masterclass as the Super Falcons ran riot.

That result remains the biggest-ever win by Nigeria and any African side. Like Ivory Coast’s recent display, it was built on intensity from the first whistle, clinical finishing, and overwhelming attacking quality.

The parallels are clear. Both matches saw nine goals scored in the first half. Both revealed the gap that can exist between Africa’s stronger sides and emerging teams. And both served as statements of intent ahead of major tournaments.

For Ivory Coast, matching that 15-goal mark carries symbolic weight. Nigeria’s performance in 2019 came just before a FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance and reinforced their status as Africa’s leading force.

Now, Ivory Coast’s own high-scoring victory arrives in the build-up to the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, raising questions about whether they can translate such dominance into success on the continental stage.

WAFCON 2026: Contenders and the team to beat

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco, with the tournament expanded to 16 teams. It promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet.

Ivory Coast’s 15-1 win has pushed them into the conversation. While it came against modest opposition, the manner of the victory suggests attacking quality and confidence that could trouble stronger sides. They have shown they can score freely, and that alone makes them dangerous.

However, pedigree still matters at this level. Ivory Coast’s best finish remains third place at WAFCON 2014, a campaign that earned them their first appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Since then, they have struggled for consistency and only recently returned to the continental stage.

In contrast, Nigeria’s record is unmatched. The Super Falcons have won 10 WAFCON titles and have reached at least the semi-finals in every edition they have played. They are widely regarded as the standard-bearers of women’s football in Africa, combining physical strength, tactical discipline and tournament experience.

Other contenders also add to the challenge. South Africa Bayana Bayana, champions in 2022, remain a well-organised and technically strong side. Hosts Morocco, runners-up in recent editions, will benefit from home support and growing investment in the women’s game.

Ivory Coast, placed in a difficult group that includes South Africa, will need more than goals against weaker opponents. They must show defensive organisation, composure under pressure, and the ability to compete against Africa’s elite.

Still, their latest performance sends a clear message. The Elephantes are no longer just participants, they are a team with ambition.

Yet, until proven otherwise, Nigeria remain the side everyone is chasing. The Super Falcons’ history, consistency and winning mentality make them the benchmark.